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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,657 records · Page 92

PAN AIR: A computer program for predicting subsonic or supersonic linear potential flows about arbitrary configurations using a higher order panel method. Volume 1: Theory document (version 3.0)

An outline of the derivation of the differential equation governing linear subsonic and supersonic potential flow is given. The use of Green's Theorem to obtain an integral equation over the boundary surface is discussed. The engineering techniques incorporated in the Panel Aerodynamics (PAN AIR) program (a discretization method which solves the integral equation for arbitrary first order boundary conditions) are then discussed in detail. Items discussed include the construction of the compressibility transformation, splining techniques, imposition of the boundary conditions, influence coefficient computation (including the concept of the finite part of an integral), computation of pressure coefficients, and computation of forces and moments. Principal revisions to version 3.0 are the following: (1) appendices H and K more fully describe the Aerodynamic Influence Coefficient (AIC) construction; (2) appendix L now provides a complete description of the AIC solution process; (3) appendix P is new and discusses the theory for the new FDP module (which calculates streamlines and offbody points); and (4) numerous small corrections and revisions reflecting the MAG module rewrite.

Epton, Michael A.↗

Prediction of response of aircraft panels subjected to acoustic and thermal loads

The primary effort of this research project has been focused on the development of analytical methods for the prediction of random response of structural panels subjected to combined and intense acoustic and thermal loads. The accomplishments on various acoustic fatigue research activities are described first, then followed by publications and theses. Topics covered include: transverse shear deformation; finite element models of vibrating composite laminates; large deflection vibration modeling; finite element analysis of thermal buckling; and prediction of three dimensional duct using boundary element method.

Mei, Chuh↗

Optics Alignment Panel

The Optics Alignment Panel (OAP) was commissioned by the HST Science Working Group to determine the optimum alignment of the OTA optics. The goal was to find the position of the secondary mirror (SM) for which there is no coma or astigmatism in the camera images due to misaligned optics, either tilt or decenter. The despace position was reviewed of the SM and the optimum focus was sought. The results of these efforts are as follows: (1) the best estimate of the aligned position of the SM in the notation of HDOS is (DZ,DY,TZ,TY) = (+248 microns, +8 microns, +53 arcsec, -79 arcsec), and (2) the best focus, defined to be that despace which maximizes the fractional energy at 486 nm in a 0.1 arcsec radius of a stellar image, is 12.2 mm beyond paraxial focus. The data leading to these conclusions, and the estimated uncertainties in the final results, are presented.

Schroeder, Daniel J.↗

Report of the Ionosphere-Thermosphere-Mesosphere Panel

The scientific objectives and mission concept that emerged from the discussions of this panel are presented. The overall scientific theme of this report is the investigation of the ionosphere, thermosphere, and mesosphere (near Earth space environment) as a global, dynamic, and coupled system. Among the specific goals of this area of research are: (1) understanding the consequences of transition between turbulent and laminar flow and collisional and collisionless media; (2) understanding the thermospheric/mesospheric coupling due to gravity wave, tidal, and trace constituent transport processes; (3) understanding the electrodynamical coupling between the thermosphere/ionosphere and magnetosphere; (4) understanding the coupling processes between small scale plasma structures; and (5) determining the real-time evolution of the global ionosphere electric field in response to solar wind and magnetosphere coupling.

Szuszczewicz, Edward P.↗

Potential flow theory and operation guide for the panel code PMARC

The theoretical basis for PMARC, a low-order potential-flow panel code for modeling complex three-dimensional geometries, is outlined. Several of the advanced features currently included in the code, such as internal flow modeling, a simple jet model, and a time-stepping wake model, are discussed in some detail. The code is written using adjustable size arrays so that it can be easily redimensioned for the size problem being solved and the computer hardware being used. An overview of the program input is presented, with a detailed description of the input available in the appendices. Finally, PMARC results for a generic wing/body configuration are compared with experimental data to demonstrate the accuracy of the code. The input file for this test case is given in the appendices.

Ashby, Dale L.↗

Sound transmission reduction with intelligent panel systems

Experimental and theoretical investigations are performed of the use of intelligent panel systems to control the sound transmission and radiation. An intelligent structure is defined as a structural system with integrated actuators and sensors under the guidance of an adaptive, learning type controller. The system configuration is based on the Active Structural Acoustic Control (ASAC) concept where control inputs are applied directly to the structure to minimize an error quantity related to the radiated sound field. In this case multiple piezoelectric elements are employed as sensors. The importance of optimal shape and location is demonstrated to be of the same order of influence as increasing the number of channels of control.

Fuller, Chris R.↗

Uniform GTD solution for the diffraction by metallic tapes on panelled compact-range reflectors

Metallic tape is commonly used to cover the interpanel gaps which occur in paneled compact-range reflectors. It is therefore of interest to study the effect of the scattering by the tape on the field in the target zone of the range. An analytical solution is presented for the target zone fields scattered by 2D metallic tapes. It is formulated by the generalized scattering matrix technique in conjunction with the Wiener-Hopf procedure. An extension to treat 3D tapes can be accomplished using the 2D solution via the equivalent current concept. The analytical solution is compared with a reference moment method solution to confirm the accuracy of the former.

Somers, G. A.↗

Structural evaluation of curved stiffened composite panels fabricated using a THERM-Xsm process

The use of composites in aircraft structures is often limited by material and manufacturing costs which, for some designs and applications, are prohibitively high. To increase the frequency of application of composites in primary airframe components alternative manufacturing processes are sought that reduce cost and/or enhance structural efficiency. One alternative process involves the use of THERM-Xsm as the pressure transfer medium during autoclave curing. THERM-Xsm, a silicon-based flow able polymer which behaves like a liquid under autoclave presssure, transmits quasi-hydrostatic pressure to all contacting surfaces of the part to be cured. Once the autoclave pressure is relieved, THERM-Xsm reverts back to the powdery solid state and can be reused many times. The THERM-Xsm process to be evaluated is depicted and consists of (1) enclosing the tool and part to be cured by a set of frames that create a box, (2) pouring THERM-Xsm powder onto the part and filling the box, and (3) placing a vacuum bag over the box assembly. In this program, a separating non-porous film (Teflon) was placed between the part to be cured and THERM-Xsm powder to avoid any contamination. The use of THERM-Xsm has two significant advantages over conventional manufacturing procedures. First, it eliminates complicated hard tooling since it guarantees uniform pressure transfer and thus, good compaction at complex structural details (such as frame-stiffener intersections and corners). Second, it greatly simplifies vacuum bagging, since once the part to be cured is covered by THERM-Xsm powder, the vacuum bag need only conform to a relatively flat shape reducing significantly the number of pleats required. A program is on-going at Sikorsky Aircraft to evaluate the structural performance of complex composite fuselage structures made with this THERM-Xsm process and to quantify the impact of THERM-Xsm on manufacturing labor hours and cost. The program involves fuselage panel optimization analysis, a building block test program where structural details representative of the full-scale article are analyzed and tested, and static and fatigue test/analysis of the full-scale test articles. The main results of this program are reported.

Kassapoglou, Christos↗

Development of stitching reinforcement for transport wing panels

The NASA Advanced Composites Technology (ACT) program has the objective of providing the technology required to obtain the full benefit of weight savings and performance improvements offered by composite primary aircraft structures. Achieving the objective is dependent upon developing composite materials and structures which are damage tolerant and economical to manufacture. Researchers are investigating stitching reinforcement combined with resin transfer molding to produce materials meeting the ACT program objective. Research is aimed at materials, processes, and structural concepts for application in both transport wings and fuselages, but the emphasis to date has been on wing panels. Empirical guidelines are being established for stitching reinforcement in structures designed for heavy loads. Results are presented from evaluation tests investigating stitching types, threads, and density (penetrations per square inch). Tension strength, compression strength, and compression after impact data are reported.

Palmer, Raymond J.↗

An oxidation and erosion test facility for cooled panels

The Panel Oxidation and Erosion Testbed (POET) facility under construction at GASL to provide the required test environment is described. The POET facility comprises three major element including a vitiated air heater, a supersonic nozzle, and a test section. A hydrogen-fueld vitiated air heater will provide the oxidizing and erosive environment. The flow through the test section characterized by low supersonic speed and Mach number of 1.4 will maximize the local heat transfer rate and the local surface shear stress.

Swartwout, W. H.↗

Unsteady panel method for flows with multiple bodies moving along various paths

A potential flow based three-dimensional panel method was modified to treat time dependent conditions in which several submerged bodies can move within the fluid along different trajectories. This modification was accomplished by formulating the momentary solution in an inertial frame-of-reference, attached to the undisturbed stationary fluid. Consequently, the numerical interpretation of the multiple-body, solid-surface boundary condition and the viscous wake rollup was considerably simplified. The unsteady capability of this code was validated by comparing computed and experimental results for a finite wing undergoing pitch oscillations. In order to demonstrate the multicomponent capability, computations were made for two wings following closely intersecting paths (e.g., to avoid mid air collisions) and for a flow field with relative rotation (e.g., helicopter-rotor/fuselage interaction). Results were compared to experimental data when such data was available.

Richason, Thomas F.↗

An accurate nonlinear finite element analysis and test correlation of a stiffened composite wing panel

State-of-the-art nonlinear finite element analysis techniques are evaluated by applying them to a realistic aircraft structural component. A wing panel from the V-22 tiltrotor aircraft is chosen because it is a typical modern aircraft structural component for which there is experimental data for comparison of results. From blueprints and drawings, a very detailed finite element model containing 2284 9-node Assumed Natural-Coordinate Strain elements was generated. A novel solution strategy which accounts for geometric nonlinearity through the use of corotating element reference frames and nonlinear strain-displacement relations is used to analyze this detailed model. Results from linear analyses using the same finite element model are presented in order to illustrate the advantages and costs of the nonlinear analysis as compared with the more traditional linear analysis.

Davis, D. D., Jr.↗

Postbuckling of laminated flat and curved panels under combined thermal and mechanical loadings

The static postbuckling of simply-supported, symmetrically laminated composite and single-layered flat and doubly-curved shallow panels, subjected to both a stationary non-uniform temperature field and a system of mechanical loadings is investigated. A number of non-classical effects related to the transverse shear flexibility of constituent materials, the unavoidable initial geometric imperfections and the character of tangential boundary conditions are considered and pertinent conclusions about their role on the postbuckling response are emphasized. Throughout the paper the results based upon a higher-order theory are compared with their first order shear deformable and classical counterparts, and conclusions related to their range of applicability are outlined.

Librescu, L.↗

Geometrically nonlinear analysis of stiffened composite panels with various end-support conditions

Recent enhancements to the NLPAN computer code are presented. NLPAN is a finite strip method for the geometrically nonlinear static analysis of prismatic composite structures subjected to in-plane and pressure loading. Refinements to the original approach of NLPAN are noted, and the modifications necessary to model clamped ends, eccentrically loaded ends, and ends with rotationally elastic support are discussed. Analytical predictions for axially loaded stiffened panels with various types of end support are compared with experimental measurements. Overall there is good agreement between analytical results and test results. The method is successful in modelling key mechanisms which can cause elastic collapse.

Stoll, Frederick↗

Dynamic stress intensity analysis of cracked panels

A spectral analysis method is presented for the extraction of frequency dependent strain energy release rates and stress intensity factors. The approach is based on the crack closure technique and is formulated directly in the frequency domain. Because of this, it is computationally more efficient than an alternative time domain approach for systems exhibiting peak behavior. The method is demonstrated for a center cracked panel subject to static in-plane and random acoustic loading.

Rizzi, Stephen A.↗

Post-buckling of geometrically imperfect shear-deformable flat panels under combined thermal and compressive edge loadings

The static post-buckling of simply-supported flat panels exposed to a stationary nonuniform temperature field and subjected to a system of subcritical in-plane compressive edge loads is investigated. The study is performed within a refined theory of composite laminated plates incorporating the effect of transverse shear and the geometric nonlinearities. The influence played by a number of effects, among them transverse shear deformation, initial geometric imperfections, the character of the in-plane boundary conditions and thickness ratio are studied and a series of conclusions are outlined. The influence played by the complete temperature field (i.e., the uniform through thickness and thickness-wise gradient) as compared to the one induced by only the uniform one, is discussed and the peculiarities of the resulting post-buckling behaviors are enlightened.

Librescu, L.↗

Data on Material Properties and Panel Compressive Strength of a Plastic-bonded Material of Glass Cloth and Canvas

Results are presented of tests for determining the tensile, compressive, and bending properties of a material of plastic-bonding glass cloth and canvas layers. In addition, 10 panel specimens were tested in compression. Although the material is not satisfactory for primary structural use in aircraft when compared on a strength-weight basis with other materials in common use, there appears to be potential strength in the material that will require research for development. These points are considered in some detail in the concluding discussion of the report. An appendix shows that a higher tensile strength can be obtained by changes in the type of weave used in the glass-cloth reinforcement.

MATERIALS, PLASTIC-STRENGTH↗

The exact solution of shear-lag problems in flat panels and box beams assumed rigid in the transverse direction

A mathematical procedure is herein developed for obtaining exact solutions of shear-lag problems in flat panels and box beams: the method is based on the assumption that the amount of stretching of the sheets in the direction perpendicular to the direction of essential normal stresses is negligible. Explicit solutions, including the treatment of cut-outs, are given for several cases and numerical results are presented in graphic and tabular form. The general theory is presented in a from which further solutions can be readily obtained. The extension of the theory to cover certain cases of non-uniform cross section is indicated. Although the solutions are obtained in terms of infinite series, the present developments differ from those previously given in that, in practical cases, the series usually converge so rapidly that sufficient accuracy is afforded by a small number of terms. Comparisons are made in several cases between the present results and the corresponding solutions obtained by approximate procedures devised by Reissner and by Kuhn and Chiarito.

STRESSED SKIN-PLATES, FLAT↗